Basil And Health
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In India, the herb Tulsi also called holy basil (sometimes spelled "Tulasi") has been widely known for its health promoting and medicinal value for thousands of years. Commonly called sacred or holy basil, it is a principal herb of Ayurveda, the ancient traditional holistic health system of India. 37
Holy Basil has a long tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine and is a well-known sacred plant of the Indian subcontinent. Holy Basil has been called the “Incomparable One”, the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life.” It has many health benefits. 49
Holy basil or Tulsi is an ancient herbal remedy from India. It is widely known for its health promoting and medicinal values and is a principal herb of Ayurveda which is the ancient traditional holistic health method of India. Ayurveda means knowledge of life and at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice are herbs. Holy basil has been used in India since before 1000BC for many ailments such as fever, malaria, dysentery, inflammation, arthritis, indigestion, skin conditions, diarrhoea, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, constipation, insect bites, and painful eye diseases. 44
In India, Hindus grow Tulsi as a religious plant in their homes and temples and use its leaves in routine worship. Tulsi aids meditation and seems to be spiritually endowed and empowered to transform souls. It is also used by Ayurvedic practitioners and laypersons for many health ailments and use of the herb has achieved positive results for thousands of years. 49
The knowledge of Ayurveda, first written down in the ancient Vedas, was further described 2000 years later (2700 to 600 BC ) in the Ayurvedic samhitas (textbooks). Especially important are those by Carak ( Carak Samhita , 1949) and Susrut ( Susrut Samhita , 1938) who documented the medical knowledge of their time with the help of their disciples.The Carak Samhita is primarily a book on medical therapeutics, describing herbal health tonics and rejuvenators for longevity and prevention of disease, as well as daily regimens for better living, including diet which varies for different body types and different diseases. The text integrates the art and science of living. It is impressive to see how much knowledge currently taught in modern sciences, such as botany, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology (including the circulation of blood and lymph), is described in detail in the Carak Samhita . 37
Holy basil is also known as “tulsi.” It has a pleasant aroma and is available in both red and green varieties. It grows abundantly around Hindu temples, and although it is native to India, it is now widely grown throughout the world. The plant is hairy with multiple branches and small, tender leaves. The leaves and stems are used medicinally. 28
Phytonutrients within Holy Basil are prized molecules in the plant pharmacy. To make a drug from Holy Basil, pharmaceutical companies could deliver those molecules in an isolated form, but that would no longer be the infinitely complex Holy Basil treasured by traditional medicine. New Chapter�, delivers Holy Basil in its most complete herbal form including the five best known �active� molecules: Caryophyllene, Ursolic Acid, Rosmarinic Acid, Eugenol, and Oleanolic Acid. 3
There has been one small controlled trial of 40 people with type 2 diabetes. Patients were asked to stop their diabetes medications seven days before the start of the trial. Then all patients were given holy basil leaves for a run-in period of five days. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to take 2.5 grams of powdered holy basil leaf, and 20 were given placebo for four weeks and then were crossed over to the other treatment group without a washout period for another four weeks. 28
An effective anti-allergy tea recipe that is beneficial in the spring as a natural remedy is by bringing a pint of water to the boil, remove from the heat and steep five holy basil leaves for five minutes, add two pinches of liquorice, one bay leaf, a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom. Sip this tea regularly throughout the day, taking 1 to 2 sips every 30 to 60 minutes and up to half a cup at a time if you are thirsty. A remedy rumoured to have wonderful health benefits is Tulsi also known as Holy Basil. 44
Overall, mean fasting blood glucose was 21 mg/dl lower in the holy basil group. There were no adverse effects reported by those taking the holy basil or the placebo. 28
When soaked in water the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as falooda or sherbet. Such seeds are known variously as sabja, subja, takmaria, tukmaria, falooda, or h?t �. They are used for their medicinal properties in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India. 14
One basil study found forty-five compounds through consulting literature and searching database by computer. The main constituents in volatile oil from basil are rosmarinic acid (a strong antioxidant), linalol, methylchavikol, methylcinnamat, and eugenol. 3
Several other basils, including some other Ocimum species, are grown in many regions of Asia. Most of the Asian basils have a clove-like flavour that is generally stronger than the Mediterranean basils. The most notable is the holy basil or tulsi (Tamil: ?????? a revered home-grown plant in India. In China, the local cultivar is called ??? ji?c�ngt?; literally "nine-level pagoda"), while the imported varieties are specifically called ?? b?x?l?), although [???] often refers to another different kind plant–parsley. 14
During pregnancy and lactation, one should always consult a primary health care provider before using any herb or herbal formula. In India, eating fresh Tulsi leaves and making tea with Tulsi leaves is common with women during pregnancy and lactation. Tulsi is considered safe for use with children over the age of 2. You should consult your primary health care provider for use with younger children. 38
DisclaimerAll content within Nutricraze Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The Nutricraze is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the Nutricraze Health website. The Nutricraze is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health. 30
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
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